I sang in church today. It was a really neat experience. It was a short and simple song called "Dedication." I'm still pretty sure that I was introduced to this song while I was on my mission. I had already picked the song before I knew the meeting's topic and was grateful to learn that it would be more than appropriate. The song was a very hymn-like song and it really added to the Spirit already felt in the meeting. Today's first feeling of fullness.
I received a lot of really nice compliments throughout the rest of today's meetings but no one's meant more than my husband's. He commented that he hardly ever hears me sing in my soprano range and that it was really nice to hear, that I did a really nice job and sounded great. His compliments, praise, and support in anything that I do mean so much.
More fullness.
Later it was a different kind of fullness.
I learned that a friend of my brother's from back in high school, he and his wife welcomed a sleeping baby into the world on Thursday. He shared a beautiful picture of their angel baby on facebook. They named him Odin.
My heart breaks for them as I can't begin to imagine what they're experiencing right now. I'm grateful to know that the Lord (as well as soooo many friends and family) is doing all that He can to comfort them.
Just a little bit ago Enoch woke up. Usually when I go to get him in the middle of the night I won't really say anything to him until I'm reaching to pick him up, but this time I said his name just as I stepped into the room and when he heard me he stopped fussing. He knows my voice. As I held him and sang him back to sleep I thought of the friends who would, in different circumstances, be doing the same thing perhaps at the same time but are instead preparing for a tiny burial in the morning. The thought brought on two different kinds of fullness at once, one that filled me up as I held my sleeping Enoch and the other that made me ache for them.
I'm so grateful for the knowledge that I have of the plan of salvation, prepared by a very loving Father in Heaven, made possible by the selfless atoning sacrifice of His Son. Just as my joy is great in raising my children here in mortality, how great shall be their joy as a promise is fulfilled and they're able to raise sweet little Odin in the eternities to come. An entirely different fullness altogether.
I don't pretend to know what this sweet couple (or anyone else who has lost a child at any stage of life) is experiencing right now. I can only pray that they will be provided all the levels of comfort that they're needing at this time.
Sending lots of love and prayers your way B&L.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Pirates Cove
Last Sunday a friend at church suggested we check out a particular park. When I went online to check it out I found the park and then some. This awesome little water park was right next to the park she recommended. Pirates Cove may not be the biggest water park ever but it's just the right size for younger kids and OUR kids had an absolute BLAST. I had an eye appointment first thing this morning so we didn't make it to the park until about quarter to noon but we stayed until closing.
Ethan and Kiari couldn't wait to get into the water.
Part of the pirate ship at the center of the park.
Happy Face!
tummy crawl. I walked with her into a little deeper water and she tried to do the same thing.... ended up with water in her nose.
Ethan will be starting swimming lessons the week after the 4th of July so Trent took time to teach Ethan how to float on his back. After his "lessons" he had a blast entertaining himself in the water.
I set Enoch down in the shallowest part of pirate ship area and he started crawling deeper into the water. He was loving the water. And of course play time with Daddy.
All fun'ed out.
This was right before we loaded up to go home.
A giant bucket that fills up and dumps water, a "beach" area to play in the sand, a lazy river, water slides, a pirate ship complete with a bridge, slides, and water guns! The only thing we would have done differently today would have been to bring more snacks.... don't pay for the food there. Not so good.
Other than that.....
It was so much fun to get the spend the whole day outside as a family.
The only downer of the day was Trent forgetting to put sunscreen on the first part of the day. He got a little baked. Thank goodness for Hydrgel E!!!
Ethan and Kiari couldn't wait to get into the water.
Part of the pirate ship at the center of the park.
Happy Face!
tummy crawl. I walked with her into a little deeper water and she tried to do the same thing.... ended up with water in her nose.
Ethan will be starting swimming lessons the week after the 4th of July so Trent took time to teach Ethan how to float on his back. After his "lessons" he had a blast entertaining himself in the water.
I set Enoch down in the shallowest part of pirate ship area and he started crawling deeper into the water. He was loving the water. And of course play time with Daddy.
All fun'ed out.
This was right before we loaded up to go home.
A giant bucket that fills up and dumps water, a "beach" area to play in the sand, a lazy river, water slides, a pirate ship complete with a bridge, slides, and water guns! The only thing we would have done differently today would have been to bring more snacks.... don't pay for the food there. Not so good.
Other than that.....
It was so much fun to get the spend the whole day outside as a family.
The only downer of the day was Trent forgetting to put sunscreen on the first part of the day. He got a little baked. Thank goodness for Hydrgel E!!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
When She's Really Tired....
.... She burrows.
Time to start pulling up the rail on the crib! When he wakes up from his nap he's able top pull himself up.
Time to start pulling up the rail on the crib! When he wakes up from his nap he's able top pull himself up.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Really?
It's moments like these that Trent and I have to do our best to not let her see us laughing.... because she knows she's not supposed to color on herself. She had even colored her eyelids. She didn't even need a mirror.
She's not smiling because she was trouble.
But it was actually really funny.
We love you Kiki!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Saturday Fun
A friend from college and I have been wanting to get together this summer to do a race together and last weekend it finally came together. It was a 5k/5k stroller roll with a kids fun run afterwards. Initially I was thinking I'd take Enoch and borrow a jogging stroller (like an idiot I sold mine as we were getting ready to move), then I thought Kiari would have fun so I was going to push Enoch and Kiari in our double walking stroller. Then Ethan said he'd like to run the race with me. I can fit all three of the kids in the double walker so I thought, why not. Come Saturday morning I told Ethan, "if you want to go with me you need to wake up right now." He practically jumped out of bed. Kiari on the other hand, barely moved the two or three times I tried to wake her up. So I took loaded up my boys and we were off.
I know that a 5k isn't much of a race but the atmosphere of the event was fun and there were some fun things for Ethan to do. He was pretty excited about the bounce house that was set up and he also got to make some fun sand art for him and Kiari.
My friend Brenna and I had a good time on the stroller roll, they had a pretty little course mapped out for us. Ethan even got out and ran part of my route with me. When it came time for the kids run Ethan was ready to go. And as soon as they said, "on your mark. get set. Go!!!" he took off fast!! I know it's a kids "fun" run but I think they could have at least made it so the kids could run a point A to point B type course. Instead it was a, run down to this point, turn around and go back. And then as each kid crossed the finish line they were each handed a blue ribbon. "Every kid gets a trophy."
Anyhoo....
as much as I would have loved to have Kiari with us, it was nice to have that time with Ethan, we really had a great time that morning.
Back at home, showered, and ready, we loaded up to catch the tail end of a farmer's market not far from home. Then we had lunch and let the kids play in the water a bit. By the time we got home everyone was pretty tired. Needless to say the kids crashed pretty hard and pretty early that night. It was a great day.
I know that a 5k isn't much of a race but the atmosphere of the event was fun and there were some fun things for Ethan to do. He was pretty excited about the bounce house that was set up and he also got to make some fun sand art for him and Kiari.
My friend Brenna and I had a good time on the stroller roll, they had a pretty little course mapped out for us. Ethan even got out and ran part of my route with me. When it came time for the kids run Ethan was ready to go. And as soon as they said, "on your mark. get set. Go!!!" he took off fast!! I know it's a kids "fun" run but I think they could have at least made it so the kids could run a point A to point B type course. Instead it was a, run down to this point, turn around and go back. And then as each kid crossed the finish line they were each handed a blue ribbon. "Every kid gets a trophy."
Anyhoo....
as much as I would have loved to have Kiari with us, it was nice to have that time with Ethan, we really had a great time that morning.
Back at home, showered, and ready, we loaded up to catch the tail end of a farmer's market not far from home. Then we had lunch and let the kids play in the water a bit. By the time we got home everyone was pretty tired. Needless to say the kids crashed pretty hard and pretty early that night. It was a great day.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Summer Play Time
Cause he's cute.
We spent some time at one of the water features at the outdoor mall tonight. If you look close you'll see Ethan there to the right.
Last year we could barely get Ethan to run through the chilly water but tonight he couldn't get enough of it. He'd run through then run out and shake it off like a dog.
This poor guy has had a fever coming and going today but was happy to be outside with us.
Later, once back at home, I ran to get the camera to catch this moment. Kiari had filled a bag full of random toys and either she or Enoch dumped it out but he was loving it.
I looooove how cute he looks when he's sitting up so straight and tall. Our itty bitty baby boy.
We spent some time at one of the water features at the outdoor mall tonight. If you look close you'll see Ethan there to the right.
Last year we could barely get Ethan to run through the chilly water but tonight he couldn't get enough of it. He'd run through then run out and shake it off like a dog.
This poor guy has had a fever coming and going today but was happy to be outside with us.
Later, once back at home, I ran to get the camera to catch this moment. Kiari had filled a bag full of random toys and either she or Enoch dumped it out but he was loving it.
I looooove how cute he looks when he's sitting up so straight and tall. Our itty bitty baby boy.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Some Fun This Week
Applesauce and whistling straws make for some good times in the kitchen.
We took advantage of an overcast day to walk to the library (which is a few miles from the house). Ethan wanted to walk off and on, when he wasn't we folded down the back of the stroller to have him scoot back and hold Enoch. I love the way that Ethan will hold on to the side of the stroller and talk with me as we walk.
Yesterday the kids and I spent some time at the Southlands Mall, a beautiful outdoor mall not too far from our house. I had the best ice cream ever while we were there, brownie batter. Can't wait to have it again!
I. Love. This mall. I could spend an entire day there just walking around with the kids enjoying the atmosphere. Plus it has some great water features for the kids to play in, the ice cream shoppe of course, a movie theatre, and it's ultra clean and family friendly.
Yesterday was the first time I'd seen this store, Charming Charlie.
Definitely not the last. :o)
We took advantage of an overcast day to walk to the library (which is a few miles from the house). Ethan wanted to walk off and on, when he wasn't we folded down the back of the stroller to have him scoot back and hold Enoch. I love the way that Ethan will hold on to the side of the stroller and talk with me as we walk.
Yesterday the kids and I spent some time at the Southlands Mall, a beautiful outdoor mall not too far from our house. I had the best ice cream ever while we were there, brownie batter. Can't wait to have it again!
I. Love. This mall. I could spend an entire day there just walking around with the kids enjoying the atmosphere. Plus it has some great water features for the kids to play in, the ice cream shoppe of course, a movie theatre, and it's ultra clean and family friendly.
Yesterday was the first time I'd seen this store, Charming Charlie.
Definitely not the last. :o)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Catching Up
These first few pictures are just some randomness.
Sunday cuteness.
Time on the playground.
A night downtown.
Out for a walk.
Trent's office plays in a softball league every Thursday night and we got to watch him play the day before we left for Idaho. It was a lot of fun to watch them play and the kids had a good time.
So we had the opportunity to be back in Idaho (or as my Mom would say, "God's country") for a week while Trent did some work for his dad and it was seriously an amazing week.
Due to cool (the not warm kind) and crazy weather, the kids loved getting to have hot chocolate nearly everyday.
There's a fun tea set that's kept there at the ranch and it got a lot of play time.
Our cutie pie.
Sunday after church Trent and I were in the kitchen and when we looked over at the kids this is what we saw. It's not the best picture because I knew I had to take it fast.
Trent took Kiari out on the lake for a bit. When I looked at them through the telescope Kiari was sitting completely still with Trent's hat on. I'm pretty sure she couldn't even see.
Enoch struck gold!
Tuesday, after taking lunch to Trent, the kids and I drove down to Rexburg to get a few more groceries and spend a little time with my family. Mom was able to sneak away and play with us at her house for a bit. We love Nana and Bubba's house.
His first taste of Oreo. He was a fan. This picture looks a bit like a mug shot, doesn't it?
Time to go. As you can see it was a bit emotional.
On our way back to the ranch we came across a huuuuge herd of sheep on and alongside the road. Kinda fun to see.
Enoch found a little friend.
Kisses for Mommy!
Enoch was pretty excited having lunch with Daddy!
"I was just a teensy itsy bitsy bit scared."
Kiari with her tower.
Trent having some pool time with his dad.
Ethan sat down with a book and it was the cutest thing ever to watch him with Enoch. Enoch crawled over and reached for the book so Ethan turned a bit on bum. Enoch would just follow suit. Ethan absolutely loves his little brother.
Sunset over the reservoir.
This picture just does not do it justice, but when Trent came home after his last day of work he was the dirtiest I had seen him all week. Covered with dirt and whatever else he had gotten into that day. That's my hard workin man.
Our last day at the ranch we took the kids out on the row boat. Ethan was really excited to go fishing but with wind and murky water it didn't quite work out. They were pretty excited to head out in the boat though.
Just a few minutes out Kiari was out cold. When we got back to shore she remained comfortably passed out while we unloading things.
Ethan had been throwing rocks in the water and stepped a little too close. He foot sunk the mud and even though he caught himself with his hands, he ended up face down in the water for a few seconds and it scared him pretty good.
Back to the ranch! And Kiari's in pretty much the same position.
My hot hubby.
A little out of order, Enoch wasn't too thrilled about wearing a life jacket.
Our flight out of IF was delayed due to a fuel leak so we had to camp out for a bit.
Like I said, best big brother.
She didn't want to ride in the stroller but was happy with the alternative.
Home at last.
Sunday cuteness.
Time on the playground.
A night downtown.
Out for a walk.
Trent's office plays in a softball league every Thursday night and we got to watch him play the day before we left for Idaho. It was a lot of fun to watch them play and the kids had a good time.
So we had the opportunity to be back in Idaho (or as my Mom would say, "God's country") for a week while Trent did some work for his dad and it was seriously an amazing week.
Due to cool (the not warm kind) and crazy weather, the kids loved getting to have hot chocolate nearly everyday.
There's a fun tea set that's kept there at the ranch and it got a lot of play time.
Our cutie pie.
Sunday after church Trent and I were in the kitchen and when we looked over at the kids this is what we saw. It's not the best picture because I knew I had to take it fast.
Trent took Kiari out on the lake for a bit. When I looked at them through the telescope Kiari was sitting completely still with Trent's hat on. I'm pretty sure she couldn't even see.
Enoch struck gold!
Tuesday, after taking lunch to Trent, the kids and I drove down to Rexburg to get a few more groceries and spend a little time with my family. Mom was able to sneak away and play with us at her house for a bit. We love Nana and Bubba's house.
His first taste of Oreo. He was a fan. This picture looks a bit like a mug shot, doesn't it?
Time to go. As you can see it was a bit emotional.
On our way back to the ranch we came across a huuuuge herd of sheep on and alongside the road. Kinda fun to see.
Enoch found a little friend.
Kisses for Mommy!
Enoch was pretty excited having lunch with Daddy!
"I was just a teensy itsy bitsy bit scared."
Kiari with her tower.
Trent having some pool time with his dad.
Ethan sat down with a book and it was the cutest thing ever to watch him with Enoch. Enoch crawled over and reached for the book so Ethan turned a bit on bum. Enoch would just follow suit. Ethan absolutely loves his little brother.
Sunset over the reservoir.
This picture just does not do it justice, but when Trent came home after his last day of work he was the dirtiest I had seen him all week. Covered with dirt and whatever else he had gotten into that day. That's my hard workin man.
Our last day at the ranch we took the kids out on the row boat. Ethan was really excited to go fishing but with wind and murky water it didn't quite work out. They were pretty excited to head out in the boat though.
Just a few minutes out Kiari was out cold. When we got back to shore she remained comfortably passed out while we unloading things.
Ethan had been throwing rocks in the water and stepped a little too close. He foot sunk the mud and even though he caught himself with his hands, he ended up face down in the water for a few seconds and it scared him pretty good.
Back to the ranch! And Kiari's in pretty much the same position.
My hot hubby.
A little out of order, Enoch wasn't too thrilled about wearing a life jacket.
Our flight out of IF was delayed due to a fuel leak so we had to camp out for a bit.
Like I said, best big brother.
She didn't want to ride in the stroller but was happy with the alternative.
Home at last.
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